Flu cases mounting in Ulster County, across US

Flu season seems to have come early this winter, local and federal officials say, but it's not too late to be immunized.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, activity during the 2012-13 influenza season began relatively early compared to recent seasons, but it is impossible to predict when the season will peak or how severe it will be. Locally, 77 cases of flu had been confirmed in Ulster County as of Tuesday, said county Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith.

Kingston Hospital's Emergency Department has seen more than 300 patients with flu-like symptoms in the last week, said Stuart Hirsch, administrative director of emergency services for HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, the hospital's parent company. He said those symptoms include body aches, fever, cough, congestion and fatigue.

Hirsch said the flu in elderly people can progress to become pneumonia.

Advertisement

"It just seems to be a very strong presentation this year," Hirsch said of the flu.

Hirsch said the flu vaccine is recommended for people who meet the criteria to receive it, though there are some who would be allergic to it. He also said people can help prevent the flu by avoiding those who already are ill and by washing their hands. People also should stay hydrated and eat healthy, he said.

At the end of December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, known as the CDC, reported flu activity continued to increase nationwide, with most of the country experiencing high levels of flu-like illnesses. The agency said there had been 2,257 flu-associated hospitalizations nationwide since Oct. 1 and 18 flu-associated pediatric deaths.

Smith, the Ulster County health commissioner, said this "is an unusually early and intense flu season."

"The flu virus has been with us for many years and some people have never gotten seriously ill from the flu, so they downplay the need to get vaccinated," Smith said in a press release. "At best, getting sick with flu can put one out of commission for several days or weeks. At worst, it can result in hospitalization and even death. It's not too late to get a flu shot. Influenza vaccine is safe, effective and inexpensive. Everyone, age 6 months and older, should get vaccinated immediately."

The Ulster County Executive's Office said in a press release that, according to the CDC, "this year's vaccine is well matched for the three strains of influenza that are circulating.

The release said flu vaccinations in Ulster County are available at county-sponsored clinics, doctors' offices and retail pharmacies.

Ulster County Executive Michael Hein received his flu shot Tuesday and Smith and Hein urged everyone to take immediate action to protect themselves and their families from "this serious and preventable disease."